Keep on Truckin'

There are many ways to begin telling you my story and believe me I have plenty, but to put it bluntly---I had cancer. The key word being "had".

In 2008 I started experiencing difficulties with my vision. Specifically, I had double vision. If any of you remember older televisions it was like my internal "vertical" needed to be adjusted. I could see perfectly out of each eye, but not together. The images were stacked one on top of the other. Of course I had no idea what could be the issue, but cancer was definitely not crossing through my mind. I thought it was probably a detached retina or something to that effect. I made one appointment after the other trying to discover the problem, but it wasn't until I had my first ever CT scan that I found out I had an extremely large tumor floating behind my right eye pushing it up and forward out of alignment with my left . I was then referred to MdAnderson for a second opinion and to weigh my options. My wife and I left with a small suitcase not knowing what to expect.

I had one appointment, then another, then another (all in one day). One of my appointments was with a Neurologist who plainly stated that it was in my best interest to have surgery immediately. The tumor was like an amoeba spreading into my brain, optic nerves, jaw and face. No biopsy. No further tests. To survive, I had to act. So, exactly one week later I was in surgery for a full Craniotomy. Afterwards, my doctors informed me that they sent the tumor to be diagnosed and I finally learned that I had Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. I also learned that due to its mass and location, they were unable to safely remove all of the disease and I would need further treatment. Therefore, I was sent to the Lymphoma clinic.

My Lymphoma doctor, Dr. Hagemeister , told me I needed an intense regiment of "R-Chop" therapy which is a specialized form of chemotherapy. So, I was fitted with a CVC and every 2 weeks I would lie in a bed for 8-10 hours hooked up to machines watching bags and bags of fluids drip slowly away in to my body. On top of that, I had to endure "Spinal Taps" which was a nice long needle that was filled with neon-green fluid injected into my spine. Now that's fun I tell you what. However, the "R" was the main portion of my treatment. It stands for Rituxan. Rituxan was researched and developed through funds provided by LLS, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

After a long strenuous battle, Dr. H handed me a piece of paper to have my CVC removed and informed me that there were no signs of any residual disease. I had no hair anywhere on my body, I was weak and tired, but that was one of the best moments of my life. To still have a life.

My wife, Dorothy, vowed upon our return home that she would train for TNT (Team in Training) and raise funds to directly benefit and support LLS. She did and I was never more proud of her than when I watched as she crossed the finish line at the Nike Women's Marathon in San Fransisco. It was not even a year out of the hospital, so I still felt too weak to attempt anything of this magnitude. However, prior to my last check-up, I told Dorothy that if everything came back "clean and clear" I wanted to train for and run the New York Marathon to celebrate while raising money to help others afflicted with blood cancers. I want to give back to the organization that not only helped us out financially, but had a big hand in helping save my life. I was at the hospital on almost a daily basis and I saw alot. Images I will never forget. I want others to have the same chance I had and still have.

One of the only saving graces I had while in treatment was going for daily walks around Rice University with Dorothy. Most days I had a patch over one eye and a chemo pump wired to my chest. I watched all the people running and exercising and I imagined myself also running. Running Fast. Running hard. Not just away from the big "C", but towards hopes of a long life with my family and friends. Now that I'm able I'm going to make good on that dream. My motto throughout the entire ordeal was to "Keep on Truckin'" and that's what I intend to do. For myself and for others deep in the muck of despair. There can be hope and dreams can come true.

Please help me in my fight to end blood cancers by making a donation in the amount of your choosing. Nothing is too big or too small. I understand the economy is bad and every dollar is precious, but there is nothing more precious than life. Help me help others so that they may have a chance at one.

Keep On Truckin'

Derek Trainer

Please make a donation to support my participation in Team In Training and help advance LLS's mission.

I hope you will visit my web site often. Be sure to check back frequently to see my progress. Thanks for your support!